Katie Stoever Picked for US Bobsled Trials
Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 6:38 pm
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Former Pole Vaulter Stoever Invited to U.S. Bobsled Trials
Courtesy: ORU Media Relations
Release: 10/04/2010
Courtesy: ORU Media Relations
Former pole vault champion Katie Stoever is on the verge of qualifying for the U.S. Bobsled Team.
TULSA—Former Oral Roberts track and field standout Katie Stoever has been selected to participate in the United States Bobsled team trials, Oct. 28-29 in Lake Placid, N.Y.
A former Summit League champion in the pole vault Stoever, a 2010 ORU graduate, earned a spot in the team trials after finishing fourth among all rookies at the Push Championships on Sept. 23. Following team trials Stoever, if selected, will compete as a part of the America’s Cup circuit with competitions in Lake Placid, Park City, Utah and Calgary, Alberta.
“I’m pretty excited,” said Stoever. “This all kind of came out of nowhere. It’s been an amazing experience so far and I can’t wait to see what’s next.”
Stoever first came to the attention of U.S. Bobsled coaches at a July recruiting event in Tulsa hosted by women’s head coach and Jenks resident Dave Owens.
“(ORU track head coach) Joe Dial told me about the event and said I should go,” said Stoever. “I went over there and performed well and received an invitation to rookie camp in Lake Placid in August.”
Stoever and the other rookies were put through a combine test as part of a week-long training session. At the end of the session, Stoever was invited to return in September for a second combine and a chance at a spot in the Push Championships at the end of trials.
“At the September combine I had to score 600 or better in all of the events,” she said. “We were tested in sprints, broad jump, shot toss, clean and squats. I scored a 624 in the combine and then finished fourth among all the rookies in the Push Championships on Sept. 23.”
Stoever will perform at the team trials next month as a brakeman, the final step in her quest be an official member of the U.S. Bobsled Federation. She is one of six rookies and will eventually be teamed with a driver.
In less than three months, Stoever has gone from former pole vaulter to the brink of qualifying for the U.S. Bobsled team.
“I was preparing to start grad school and now I’m bobsledding”, she said with a chuckle. “I keep telling myself to take it one step at a time, and I’ve put my faith in God that whatever is supposed to happen will.”
U.S. Bobsled Federation also produces a more high-profile World Cup team, one that is financed by the organization. But the America’s Cup squad is paid for by the athletes themselves, and Stoever needs sponsors.
“We’re responsible for all of our own expenses,” she said. “It’s the price we all have to pay in order to have a shot at one day being on the World Cup team. It’s worth it but it isn’t cheap.”
If you’d like to help Stoever as she competes for the U.S. Bobsled team, contact her at katiestoever@yahoo.com or you can donate at katiestover.blogspot.com.
Former Pole Vaulter Stoever Invited to U.S. Bobsled Trials
Courtesy: ORU Media Relations
Release: 10/04/2010
Courtesy: ORU Media Relations
Former pole vault champion Katie Stoever is on the verge of qualifying for the U.S. Bobsled Team.
TULSA—Former Oral Roberts track and field standout Katie Stoever has been selected to participate in the United States Bobsled team trials, Oct. 28-29 in Lake Placid, N.Y.
A former Summit League champion in the pole vault Stoever, a 2010 ORU graduate, earned a spot in the team trials after finishing fourth among all rookies at the Push Championships on Sept. 23. Following team trials Stoever, if selected, will compete as a part of the America’s Cup circuit with competitions in Lake Placid, Park City, Utah and Calgary, Alberta.
“I’m pretty excited,” said Stoever. “This all kind of came out of nowhere. It’s been an amazing experience so far and I can’t wait to see what’s next.”
Stoever first came to the attention of U.S. Bobsled coaches at a July recruiting event in Tulsa hosted by women’s head coach and Jenks resident Dave Owens.
“(ORU track head coach) Joe Dial told me about the event and said I should go,” said Stoever. “I went over there and performed well and received an invitation to rookie camp in Lake Placid in August.”
Stoever and the other rookies were put through a combine test as part of a week-long training session. At the end of the session, Stoever was invited to return in September for a second combine and a chance at a spot in the Push Championships at the end of trials.
“At the September combine I had to score 600 or better in all of the events,” she said. “We were tested in sprints, broad jump, shot toss, clean and squats. I scored a 624 in the combine and then finished fourth among all the rookies in the Push Championships on Sept. 23.”
Stoever will perform at the team trials next month as a brakeman, the final step in her quest be an official member of the U.S. Bobsled Federation. She is one of six rookies and will eventually be teamed with a driver.
In less than three months, Stoever has gone from former pole vaulter to the brink of qualifying for the U.S. Bobsled team.
“I was preparing to start grad school and now I’m bobsledding”, she said with a chuckle. “I keep telling myself to take it one step at a time, and I’ve put my faith in God that whatever is supposed to happen will.”
U.S. Bobsled Federation also produces a more high-profile World Cup team, one that is financed by the organization. But the America’s Cup squad is paid for by the athletes themselves, and Stoever needs sponsors.
“We’re responsible for all of our own expenses,” she said. “It’s the price we all have to pay in order to have a shot at one day being on the World Cup team. It’s worth it but it isn’t cheap.”
If you’d like to help Stoever as she competes for the U.S. Bobsled team, contact her at katiestoever@yahoo.com or you can donate at katiestover.blogspot.com.
